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Keywords

limb loss, crab, human impact

Abstract

Limb damage in crabs comes in various forms, each with unique consequences. Brachyuran crabs shed limbs as a defensive reflex, with natural breakage occurring along a plane, otherwise known as autotomy. In addition to autotomy, crabs commonly lose limbs due to fishing practices such as declawing. In many areas, taking the limbs and releasing the crab is a common practice. The logic is that the populations won’t decline if the crab is put back. Other practices such as nicking, or cutting the main claw tendon, are used to restrict claw movement. Various effects of these fishery practices have been documented and quantified in a variety of species. The focus of this research is to present a review of the effects of limb loss and damage in Brachyuran crabs. This review can be used by researchers and wildlife managers for reference regarding limb loss, particularly manual claw removal, of various crab species.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2022-3

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Reviewing the Effects of Human-Induced Limb Damage in Crabs

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